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UV Blocking Contact Lenses – Why Australians Can’t Afford to Ignore Them

31st Jan 2025

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Australia’s UV Problem: More Than Just a Skin Risk

We all know Australia’s sun is brutal. With some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world—thanks in part to our proximity to the ozone hole—sun safety isn’t just about avoiding sunburn. It’s about protecting your eyes too.

While most Australians are aware of the risks of skin cancer (with 1 in 2 Aussies developing some form of it in their lifetime), fewer people realise that UV exposure also contributes to serious eye conditions. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (the infamous “surfer’s eye”) are all linked to long-term UV damage. And the worst part? UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and irreversible.

The Missing Piece in Eye Protection

The Slip, Slop, Slap message from Cancer Council has been drummed into us for decades, but when it comes to eye health, sunglasses and hats aren’t always enough. Gaps around the sides of sunglasses can still let in harmful rays, and not all sunnies meet Australian UV protection standards.

That’s where UV-blocking contact lenses come in. Unlike regular contact lenses—which don’t naturally filter UV—special UV-absorbing lenses provide an extra layer of defence, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

Why Aren’t More Aussies Using UV-Protective Contact Lenses?

Despite the benefits, awareness remains low. A 2023 survey by Optometry Australia found that only 34% of contact lens wearers considered UV protection when choosing their lenses. Given the cumulative nature of UV damage, this is a big gap in preventive eye care.

Busting the Myths About UV Contact Lenses

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How to Choose the Right UV-Blocking Contact Lenses

When shopping for contact lenses, look for:

Summer Eye Protection Tips 

  • Pair UV-blocking contact lenses with wraparound sunglasses for maximum coverage.

  • Be extra cautious at the beach—UV reflects off sand and water, increasing exposure.

  • Sports & outdoor festivals? Sweat-resistant sunglasses can help keep vision clear while protecting against the sun.

The Bottom Line

Australia’s high UV levels make eye protection a year-round priority, but summer is when the risk peaks. If you’re already wearing contact lenses, upgrading to UV-blocking lenses is one of the easiest ways to protect your long-term eye health.

 

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